Research shows that incidences of periodontal disease are higher in men
IRVINE, CALIF. June 14, 2021 – Leading dental support organization Pacific Dental Services® (PDS) recognizes Men’s Health Week, a global initiative led by the Men’s Health Network. The goal of Men’s Health Week, which was signed into law by President Clinton in 1994, is to increase awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Men’s Health Week is part of the broader Men’s Health Month, an annual month-long recognition of men’s health with activities and events to remind men to take care of their bodies.
In an article published by the American Academy of Periodontology, research shows that incidences of periodontal disease are higher in men in men (56.4 percent) than in women (38.4 percent). This can result in other systemic conditions developing, including cardiovascular disease, prostatitis, impotence, and cancer. In fact, research found that men with a history of gum disease are 14 percent more likely to develop cancer than men with healthy gums.
PDS-supported dental practices are committed to bringing awareness to patients about the link between oral health and whole-body health – what PDS and its supported practices call the Mouth-Body Connection®. Research shows that harmful bacteria and inflammation in the mouth can indicate and even cause systemic conditions throughout the body. Maladies of the mouth, including periodontal disease, may be linked with other medical conditions including oral cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and more.
Statistically, men are less likely to take care of their oral health than women. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, the average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day and will lose 5.4 teeth by the age of 72. Additionally, The Academy of General Dentistry reported that men are less likely than women to seek preventive dental care and often neglect their oral health for years, visiting a dentist only when a problem arises.
The Men’s Health Network encourages men and their loved ones to take advantage of this awareness week by making it a goal to seek regular medical advice and early treatment for disease and injury. PDS-supported clinicians encourage regular self-exams and screenings to help promote good oral health and avoid the negative whole-body health consequences of delaying necessary dental care.
